New signs bring ‘brand’ to Elements Casino in View Royal

The Elements Casino in View Royal will be adding a number of signs in the coming months as part of its multi-million dollar expansion.

The casino, at 1708 Island Hwy., recently applied for a permit to add a number of signs, including an 72-centimetre “Elements Casino” sign in the entrance, an “Elements Casino” sign on the backside of the parkade (facing southwest), and a sign advertising its new diamond buffet, among others.

“Overall, I think we thought it looked good,” Mayor David Screech said. “I think they’re nice, classy looking signs and I think they’ll be an addition to a great project.”

The largest sign, a four-by-eight-foot “television” type screen that Screech said would likely be installed just before the casino on the right hand side of Island Highway and used for advertising entertainment and dinner specials, has not yet been approved. Council has asked for information about the brightness of it and how much of a distraction it would be for drivers.

Council also wants to ensure that a hood of some sort could be pulled over the sign in order to cast the light down, before they make a final decision.

In addition to the signs, architects have also redesigned the water feature at the entrance to provide more direct access to the casino from Island Highway, and the smoking patio will be moved from the southeast corner to the northwest corner.

However, not all residents were happy with the proposal. Those living in the area expressed concerns about light pollution at night from the larger sign that would make it difficult to sleep for some.

“The moving signage concerns me as my home is located directly in front of the casino. There is already a big issue with light pollution at night,” resident Sandra Veldhuizen said in a letter addressed to council.

“If a moving sign were permitted my sleep health will be affected negatively as well as [the] sleep health of all the residents at the Coho who [face] the casino.”

Renovations on the casino are expected to be complete for an early spring opening.